Rajini Janardhan

About Rajini Janardhan

I am a strategic, results-focused ESG, Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing business leader with extensive experience in compliance & stewardship strategy, operational execution & risk mitigation for the consumer, manufacturing and mining sectors, in both internal to corporate, and as a consultant in international stewardship consulting services. I am a Subject Matter Expert in global regulatory, vendor compliance, product integrity, sustainability, social responsibility and assurance due diligence frameworks across the supply chain. I have a proven track record of combining technical expertise, data-driven business acumen, leadership skills, and a collaborative work style to accomplish strategic compliance objectives that enable corporate growth. I bring a valuable combination of strategic business insight gained from developing diverse compliance/CSR programs and pragmatic ability to execute and deliver. I have developed strategies, built programs, and led the execution of compliance, responsible sourcing, and retailer/brand-customer programs. Business results include improvements in compliance metrics, reduction of brand risk, process efficiencies leveraging technology, automation, and systems implementation. I am an articulate communicator with strong presentation skills and proven success in building high performing and leading global, highly engaged cross-functional teams.Competencies / Specialties:Assurance Due Diligence Frameworks (LME Responsible Sourcing, Aluminum Stewardship Initiative, OECD and others)Circular EconomyCompliance Communication & TrainingCompliance MonitoringCompliance Program ManagementCompliance Reporting/DashboardCompliance StrategyData Management Systems ImplementationGlobal Compliance OperationsIncident InvestigationsInnovative & Systems ThinkingProcess ImprovementProduct StewardshipProgram Design & ExecutionProject ManagementRegulatory Change ManagementResponsible SourcingRisk ManagementSocial ComplianceSustainability & Life Cycle AssessmentSubstances/Chemical ManagementTechnical ConsultingVendor/Supplier Code of Conduct

Experience

1. Manager, Management Systems Esg Assurance (Sustainability, Assurance Frameworks)

   Rio Tinto

   Jun 2025 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

Education

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  MBA, General Management, Strategy, Finance

• Karrass Training

  Executive Leadership Management and Negotiation Skill Training Program, Effective Negotiating

  2008 — 2008

• Rockhurst University

  Women's Leadership Development

  2001 — 2001

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Ph.D., Human Environmental Sciences

Skills

• Training
• Product Safety
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Business Analysis
• Account Management
• Business Development
• Apparel
• Social Compliance
• Analytical Systems Thinking
• Thought Leadership
• Quality Control
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Laboratory Operations
• Global Account Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Quality Standards
• Textiles
• Sustainability
• Risk Management
• Consumer Product Testing
• Organizational Development
• Regulatory Compliance
• Compliance Research
• Management
• Technical Consultation
• Creative Problem Solving
• Textile & Apparel
• Laboratory
• Client Engagement
• Product Sustainability
• Business Strategy
• Product Development
• Toys
• Management Consulting
• Customer Engagement
• Consumer Products
• Toys & Juvenile Products
• Sourcing
• Program Design & Execution